Where to report your address change in Illinois

Illinois does not have a single statewide address-change system. Instead, you report your move to each organization separately — the Secretary of State (for your driver's license and vehicle registration), the U.S. Postal Service (for mail forwarding), your employer, your bank, and any government programs you receive benefits from. Each one maintains its own records and does not automatically sync with the others.

Start with the Secretary of State and USPS because those two handle the documents you use most often. Then work through any other accounts or programs specific to your situation. The whole process takes about 15 minutes if you do it online, or longer if you go in person.

Key Takeaways

  • The Illinois Secretary of State handles driver's license and vehicle registration changes online at cyberdriveillinois.com, and you can do both in one session.
  • The U.S. Postal Service forwards mail for up to 12 months through USPS.com or at your local post office, and costs $1.10 for online submission.
  • You must notify your bank, employer, insurance company, and any government benefits programs separately — they do not receive your address change automatically.
  • If you move out of state, you have 30 days to update your Illinois driver's license before it becomes invalid for identification purposes.

Updating your driver's license and vehicle registration with the Secretary of State

Go to cyberdriveillinois.com and select "Driver Services" or "Vehicle Services" depending on what you need to change. You will need your current driver's license number or vehicle identification number (VIN), your new address, and a valid email address. The Secretary of State charges no fee for an address change.

If you update online, your new license or registration card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You do not need to visit a facility unless you are renewing your license at the same time or your license has expired. If you prefer to update in person, visit a Secretary of State facility — find the nearest one at cyberdriveillinois.com under "Facility Locator" — and bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 30 days), and your new address.

Setting up mail forwarding with the U.S. Postal Service

Mail forwarding is separate from your address change with the Secretary of State. The post office does not automatically know you moved unless you tell them. Go to USPS.com, click "Mail & Packages," then "Mail Forwarding," and select "Start USPS Forwarding Service." You will enter your old address, new address, the date you want forwarding to begin, and your email address. The service costs $1.10 and takes effect within three business days.

Forwarding lasts for 12 months. After that, mail addressed to your old location will be returned to the sender as undeliverable. If you think you will still need forwarding after a year, you can renew it before the 12 months end. You can also set up forwarding in person at your local post office, though the online method is faster.

Notifying banks, employers, and insurance companies

Contact each organization directly with your new address. Most banks let you update your address online through their website or mobile app, or by calling the number on the back of your card. Your employer's human resources or payroll department needs your new address for tax forms and direct deposit. Insurance companies — auto, home, health, or life — must have your current address on file, and some may adjust your rates based on your new location.

Keep a list as you go: write down the date you contacted each organization and who you spoke with. This creates a record if a bill or statement arrives at your old address by mistake. Some organizations take a few days to process the change, so do not be alarmed if you receive one more piece of mail at your old location after you have notified them.

Updating government benefits and tax records

If you receive unemployment benefits, SNAP (food information), Medicaid, or other state benefits, contact the program directly to report your move. The Illinois Department of Human Services runs most benefit programs; you can update your address through their online portal at abe.illinois.gov, or call 1-833-338-0607. If you receive Social Security, contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office.

For tax purposes, notify the Illinois Department of Revenue if you move out of state or if your address changes within Illinois. You can update your address on your next tax return, or contact them at 1-217-782-3336. If you are expecting a tax refund, updating your address early prevents the check from being sent to your old location.

What to do if you move out of state

If you move to another state, you have 30 days to obtain a driver's license from your new state. Your Illinois license remains valid for identification during those 30 days, but you cannot legally drive using an out-of-state address on an Illinois license. You must also register your vehicle in your new state within the timeframe that state requires — this varies from 10 days to 90 days depending on the state.

Before you leave Illinois, update your address with any Illinois-based accounts, employers, or benefit programs. If you have an outstanding balance on an Illinois toll road account (I-PASS), update your address so you receive bills at your new location. Contact the Illinois Tollway at 1-800-UC-IPASS (1-800-824-4277) to update your account.

Updating your address with utilities and subscription services

Contact your electric, gas, water, internet, and phone providers to report your move. Most utilities require notice before you vacate so they can schedule a final meter reading and close your account. Your new utility company will need to set up service at your new address, which may take a few days. Subscription services — streaming, software, gym memberships, magazine subscriptions — should be updated through their websites or by calling customer service.

If you have a PO box, you can update the address associated with it at your local post office, or online at USPS.com. If you are closing the PO box, do so before you move so mail does not accumulate there after you leave.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to change my address with the Secretary of State?

Online changes take effect within 7 to 10 business days, when your new license or registration card arrives by mail. In-person changes at a Secretary of State facility are processed when ready, but you still receive your new card by mail within the same timeframe.

Do I need to change my address if I move within Illinois?

Yes. You must update your driver's license and vehicle registration with the Secretary of State, set up mail forwarding with USPS, and notify your bank, employer, and any benefit programs. The process is the same whether you move across town or across the state.

What happens if I do not update my address with the post office?

Mail addressed to your old location will be returned to the sender as undeliverable after a few weeks. The sender may then try to contact you using other information they have on file. Setting up forwarding ensures mail reaches you for up to 12 months while people and organizations update their records.

Can I change my address online if my license or registration has expired?

No. If your license or registration has expired, you must renew it at the same time you change your address. You can do this online at cyberdriveillinois.com if your license expired within the last five years, or in person at a Secretary of State facility if it expired longer ago.

Do I need proof of residency to change my address online?

No. Online address changes through the Secretary of State require only your current license or registration number and your new address. Proof of residency is required only if you change your address in person at a facility.